Ranked: These are the 10 most unusual Russell Group university societies you can join

It seems life at Russell Group universities is not all work no play as students seem to have created some pretty strange societies.

The range of university societies widens each year and there truly is a society for everyone’s interest, no matter how niche.

So, when they’re not camping out at the library, let’s see what weird activities some students are getting up to at Russell Group unis.

10. 20 Minute Society

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The bottom of our list for weirdest university groups is Newcastle’s 20 Minute Society.

The goal of the society is spontaneity with socials being announced 20 minutes before they happen.

Honestly, it sounds really fun, if not a bit hectic.

9. Kettle Society

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Whilst many unis have a tea society, the University of Nottingham has decided to push the boat out even further with a kettle society. Not wanting to discriminate against coffee, tea, or hot chocolate lovers, the society welcomes all to its meetings and café-crawls.

8. Bad Film Society

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It seems some Birmingham students have so much time on their hands they’re able to watch films they know will be awful. So, if watching films guaranteed to be terrible is for you, you’ve found your people. Just remember: They did warn you.

7. Shrek Society

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Shrek is love, Shrek is life, so it’s no surprise Glasgow Uni has a society dedicated to the movie series.

Would definitely join.

6. Hide and Seek Society

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Whilst I was tempted to join this society at my uni, the fear of never being found and haunting the uni building I would inevitably get lost in got to me. Though this society could help find those elusive study spots for assignment season. Join at your own risk.

5. Quidditch Society

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Ever found yourself envious when watching Harry Potter and his mates play quidditch? Surprisingly, you’re not on your own as loads of universities have now created quidditch societies where you can play the sport (just without the flying bit).

There have even been competitive quidditch matches between different unis. As someone who runs whenever a ball comes near, I couldn’t think of anything worse.

4. Louis Theroux Society

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You can claim to like Louis Theroux, but do you like him as much as students at the University of York? The society hosts regular screenings of Louis’ documentaries where you can engage with fellow enthusiasts for free. Truly doing the Lord’s work.

3. Duck Society

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Cashing in off Longboi’s fame (RIP), the University of York has a duck society. Members pay a small feed to be provided with bird feed and go on walks to feed the local ducks. What a wholesome way to spend your free time.

No worries if you prefer the rubber variant though, the university has a separate society dedicated to rubber ducks.

2. Extreme Ironing Society

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Coming in at number two is one of the most unusual societies in the UK.

The Extreme Ironing Society, formally of Nottingham Uni, focuses on ironing in rogue spots.

According to Student.com, society members have ironed whilst surfing and even abseiling. I guess that’s one way to do your chores.

1. Boldrewood Tunnel Society

via JThomas on Creative Commons

Top of our list for weirdest Russell Group university groups is the Boldrewood Tunnel Society.

University of Southampton students have created a society based on the theory that the uni is hiding a secret underground tunnel between campuses from them.

Proving it deserves its top spot on this ranking, the tunnel is so mysterious I couldn’t even find a picture of it. I’m also both intrigued and weirded out by their website, which names previous member comedian Dave Gorman as their spirit animal and brags about their unofficial world record for longest Minecraft tunnel. You can’t say they’re not dedicated.

Featured image via Canva/Warner Bros/DreamWorks/Instagram